Clarion University

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Programs and Degrees at Clarion University

Clarion University appears in our ranking of the 30 Best Online Bachelor’s in English Degrees. Clarion University degrees are available on campus and online. Some of the areas of study include:
  • accounting
  • allied health
  • biology
  • criminal justice
  • education
Degree programs are housed in three colleges:
  • the College of Arts & Sciences
  • the College of Business Administration & Information Sciences
  • the College of Health Sciences and Human Services
The School of Education is part of the College of Arts & Sciences. The School of Information Sciences is part of the College of Business Administration & Information Sciences. There are more than 100 degree programs available for undergraduate, graduate, and certificate students. The university also has many options for earning certification including:
  • the C.P.A. Exam Eligibility Certificate
  • the T.C.G. Reading Specialist Certificate
Areas of study that are most popular with students at Clarion University include those in:
  • legal professions and studies
  • education
  • communication and journalism
  • health professions
Many degrees offer students the choice of studying at:
  • the main campus
  • online
  • the secondary campus in Venango
Students may also find it beneficial to use the resources of The Center for First Year Experience. This is designed to help first-time students adjust to collegiate-level study. The university also offers allied health and nursing programs at a campus in Pittsburgh, and associate’s degree programs at a small campus in Somerset. Students who want to attend classes online from Clarion University can choose from several programs with seven-week online classes. Associate degrees available include:
  • Associate of Arts in Arts & Sciences
  • Associate of Science in Early Childhood Education
  • Associate of Applied Science in Administrative Technology
Some associate-level degrees are available for part-time study. At the bachelor’s degree level, students may choose from programs in:
  • accounting
  • English
  • sociology and psychology
  • management
  • real estate
  • nursing
The university also offers many minors online, which can help augment a student’s undergraduate degree experience. Some of the topics available for study include:
  • business administration
  • history
  • data analytics
  • community service
One of the interesting and diverse areas of study available online is the graduate certificate option.  Students can study vital topics like:
  • early childhood development
  • opioid treatment
  • applied behavior analyst
  • health communications
Students can even earn a graduate degree online with degrees available that include:
  • a Master of Science in Library Science
  • a Doctor of Nursing Practice,
  • a Master of Business Administration

About Clarion University

Clarion University was founded in 1867 and was called the Carrier Seminary of Western Pennsylvania. A few years later the school began offering general education classes. By the late 1880s, the school transformed into the Clarion State Normal School. The state of Pennsylvania assumed control over the facility in 1915 with college status coming in 1920. The state elevated the college to university status in 1982. Today, around 5,300 students attend the university, which also has approximately 287 academic staff. The school’s official colors are blue and gold. The sports teams play in NCAA Division II games as the Golden Eagles.

Clarion University Accreditation Details

Regional accreditation for Clarion University comes from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. This accreditation ensures students will receive a degree that meets the standards of national educational organizations. It also means they can apply for federal financial aid through the federal Direct Loan program. The university also holds 28 national accreditations. National accreditations for graduate programs include:
  • the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
  • Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology
  • Speech-Language Pathology
The music programs are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music Commission on Accreditation. The nursing programs are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc.

Clarion University Application Requirements

Applying to Clarion University includes:
  • completing the undergraduate online application
  • sending in SAT or ACT scores
  • submitting official transcripts to the Office of Admissions
  • pay a $35 application fee
Similarly, graduate students will:
  • submit an online application
  • send in an application portfolio and supporting documentation
  • pay a $40 application fee
International students must submit:
  • the online application
  • transcripts
  • official test scores from an official English proficiency test
  • They may also submit SAT or ACT scores as proof of English language proficiency
High school students in the local area are welcome to apply for dual enrollment to augment their high school experience.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Clarion University offers students the choice of studying at two campuses and charges different tuition rates for each. Online tuition rates are also different. Students at the Clarion campus will pay $11,149 if they’re a Pennsylvania resident. Tuition is $16,028 if they’re not a resident. Room and board on campus is $12,544 for all students. Online students  pay $9,829 if they’re from Pennsylvania or $11,108 if they’re from outside the state. Summer school students will pay a rate between $440.20 and $642.20 per credit, depending on their location and residency status. Students applying for financial aid must submit their FAFSA form. They then wait for the university to determine eligibility and the type of award that may be offered. Students may receive a combination of:
  • loans
  • scholarships
  • grants
  • Work-Study awards
Scholarships and grants don’t need to be repaid and are awarded when students display financial need or academic achievement. Some of the scholarships a student may receive include:
  • athletic scholarships
  • merit scholarships
  • endowed scholarships
There are also many external scholarships available from philanthropic organizations that students may want to consider. Students accepted to Clarion University may qualify to apply for:
  • a PASSHE Foundation scholarship
  • the Ankin Law Office Scholarship for Military Veterans
  • the Alaska Library Association Scholarship
  • the Clinical Guard Scholarship.

Featured Programs

Related Resources:

30 Best Online Bachelor’s in Health Sciences and Nutrition

The Best Degree for Adults Returning to College

Top 20 Degrees for the Future

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